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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Final Tap (Living History Museum, #2) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Well, I've found yet another cozy mystery series to add to my must-buy list! I really enjoyed the setting - a working historical farm - and learned everything I could want to know about maple syrup production. Not in a clinical way, but as interesting bits of information presented during the story.
Our heroine Kelsey has her hands full trying to run the farm, raise her kindergarten-age son, and solve a murder before the police can pin it on one of her young employees. There was an interesting cast of characters, and that homey, small-town feel that I love in a good cozy.
While previous events are mentioned, it's not necessary to have read book 1 to know what's going on.
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Our heroine Kelsey has her hands full trying to run the farm, raise her kindergarten-age son, and solve a murder before the police can pin it on one of her young employees. There was an interesting cast of characters, and that homey, small-town feel that I love in a good cozy.
While previous events are mentioned, it's not necessary to have read book 1 to know what's going on.
NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Aasiyah Sidat (34 KP) rated A Study in Scarlet in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Although I might be a fan of historical fiction, books that were published before I was born are not ones I usually pick up.
Don't get me wrong, there are some brilliant writers; Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, the Austen's, all amazing writers, brilliant minds, but their writing style doesn't appeal to me. I would only pick up their books because of an academic reading list, and since academia doesn't need me to read fiction, I avoid it.
A very wise person recently told me that avoiding things is something I should avoid. Which is one of the reasons why I love this read harder challenge, taking you out of your comfort zone and expanding your reading is the best way to gain perspective.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/01/read-harder-1900-1950.html
Don't get me wrong, there are some brilliant writers; Charles Dickens, John Steinbeck, the Austen's, all amazing writers, brilliant minds, but their writing style doesn't appeal to me. I would only pick up their books because of an academic reading list, and since academia doesn't need me to read fiction, I avoid it.
A very wise person recently told me that avoiding things is something I should avoid. Which is one of the reasons why I love this read harder challenge, taking you out of your comfort zone and expanding your reading is the best way to gain perspective.
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2017/01/read-harder-1900-1950.html

Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Into the Whirlwind in Books
Aug 30, 2018
I loved this book the most. It was the best written book so far for a historical fiction book. I love the fact that his is about history of event that happen in Chicago. It has some romance but not whole lot in it. This book is about the Chicago fire. It is cool that it tell you about the people and how people dealt with the fire.
I really talks about the aftermath of the great Chicago fire. It detail the what happens to some of the buildings and what the neighbors did for the city and new change came about. If you really like history or interest in history of the US then this book is for you. Remember this book has some fiction but it still go learning tool to learn about American history in some ways.
I really talks about the aftermath of the great Chicago fire. It detail the what happens to some of the buildings and what the neighbors did for the city and new change came about. If you really like history or interest in history of the US then this book is for you. Remember this book has some fiction but it still go learning tool to learn about American history in some ways.

Lindsay (1760 KP) rated Halley's Casino: The Adventures of Nebula Yorker in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Halley’s Casino is a good action and adventure book. It got some historical fiction with science fiction with the time travel. I liked it. It kept you guessing and entertained. I loved the fact that you get to time travel by going back though earth history.
The author does a wonderful job. I like that Nebula Yorker is the problem solver. Is Halley a Comet or is it an Intergalactic Casino? We see what Rome looks like at 12 BCE? Who is Nebula Parents? You find all kinds of surprises and twists along the way. I enjoyed the plot.
Will Neb save earth or will not? It adventures of a lifetime. Find out by reading. This book has a few stories and adventures waiting from beginning to end. Is the world as we see it or his it something we never imagined?
The author does a wonderful job. I like that Nebula Yorker is the problem solver. Is Halley a Comet or is it an Intergalactic Casino? We see what Rome looks like at 12 BCE? Who is Nebula Parents? You find all kinds of surprises and twists along the way. I enjoyed the plot.
Will Neb save earth or will not? It adventures of a lifetime. Find out by reading. This book has a few stories and adventures waiting from beginning to end. Is the world as we see it or his it something we never imagined?

Amy Curtis (49 KP) rated How to Stop Time in Books
Dec 2, 2018
This book is one that crept up on me unexpectedly. I've been doing a reading challenge and one of the books I needed to read was one that I chose just by looking at the cover. When I started reading the book, I had no idea what to expect because I didn't know what it was going to be about. I was a bit confused at first because of that but quite soon, I got into the swing of things. I don't think I've ever read anything like it and not sure I ever will again. It was so interesting to see a narrative that creates a fictional twist on historical events. It was such an incredible read and would definitely recommend it to anyone. First time I've ever read a Matt Haig book and I was thoroughly impressed.

David McK (3562 KP) rated The Eagle in the Sand (Eagle, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Last book (so far) in Simon Scarrows Macro and Cato series to include the use of the word 'Eagle' in the title - before the series as a whole was rebranded - and the first book to be set in the Eastern provinces (unlike the earlier novels, set in and around Europe).
The events of this one, instead, take place in Judea, mainly centring around a small fort on the outpost of the Roman Empire. While its not essential to have read the earlier novels, it may help, with the occassional passing reference to earlier events.
I also have to say that it could be easy to take offence at the way certain famous historical personages - one in particular - are portrayed, but at the end of the day, this is only a work of fiction and doesn't purport to be anything but.
The events of this one, instead, take place in Judea, mainly centring around a small fort on the outpost of the Roman Empire. While its not essential to have read the earlier novels, it may help, with the occassional passing reference to earlier events.
I also have to say that it could be easy to take offence at the way certain famous historical personages - one in particular - are portrayed, but at the end of the day, this is only a work of fiction and doesn't purport to be anything but.

Erika (17789 KP) rated The Locksmith's Daughter in Books
Jan 21, 2019
An Elizabethan novel without royals as the main characters.
Recently, I haven't wanted to read any historical fiction novels. I feel like recently, a lot of them are either focused on royals, or on WWII. Harper Collins sent one of their promo emails at the beginning of this month, and after reading the description, I had to have it.
I really liked the main character, Mallory, made some dumb decisions, like everyone, but it was nice to see that she legitimately learned from her mistakes.
After Mallory ruined her reputation, her father seeks out the Spymaster of Elizabethan England, Sir Francis Walsingham, to give her a job. She becomes a spy, seeking out Catholics. Again, I was thankful that the Queen only appeared in person once.
Harper Collins totally got me on this one, and I was glad to read it.
I really liked the main character, Mallory, made some dumb decisions, like everyone, but it was nice to see that she legitimately learned from her mistakes.
After Mallory ruined her reputation, her father seeks out the Spymaster of Elizabethan England, Sir Francis Walsingham, to give her a job. She becomes a spy, seeking out Catholics. Again, I was thankful that the Queen only appeared in person once.
Harper Collins totally got me on this one, and I was glad to read it.

Deborah (162 KP) rated Wicked Under the Covers (Carlisle Family, #1) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This was my first book by this author, as well as being the first in her Carlisle Family series.
Although enjoyable, it's not a story I would be likely to pick up again. Early on in the book, the hero sees the heroine meet her mother in a restaurant - historical blunder there, as that type of establishment didn't exisit in that period.
I did like the hero, but felt that the ending was unsatisfactory. There were plenty of loose threads to tie up, but I felt it could have been handled better; I wanted to revel in the satisfaction of the villain and villainess getting their comeuppance but didn't quite get that, and the reunion of the hero and heroine pretty much decended into farce! It was too much.
Enjoyable enough, but I'm not tempted enough to pick up the sequel.
Although enjoyable, it's not a story I would be likely to pick up again. Early on in the book, the hero sees the heroine meet her mother in a restaurant - historical blunder there, as that type of establishment didn't exisit in that period.
I did like the hero, but felt that the ending was unsatisfactory. There were plenty of loose threads to tie up, but I felt it could have been handled better; I wanted to revel in the satisfaction of the villain and villainess getting their comeuppance but didn't quite get that, and the reunion of the hero and heroine pretty much decended into farce! It was too much.
Enjoyable enough, but I'm not tempted enough to pick up the sequel.

Merissa (12919 KP) rated A Barlow Lens (Circles #2) in Books
Feb 24, 2020
A BARLOW LENS is the second book in the Circles series and we continue with Wyatt and Val as they try to solve a mystery from a time-gone-by.
I LOVED THIS STORY! I really enjoyed reading about the historical side of things, and how Tom and Philip managed to be together. Archie was a nasty piece of work and I really can't say I'm sad about his ending!
There is mention of horse-racing in this one but nowhere near as much as in the first, simply because it isn't the focus in here. I loved how it was still there and an important time for Wyatt and Val, but I'm also glad the emphasis was on Tom and Philip.
Two for the price of one and both thoroughly enjoyable. Absolutely recommended by me.
I LOVED THIS STORY! I really enjoyed reading about the historical side of things, and how Tom and Philip managed to be together. Archie was a nasty piece of work and I really can't say I'm sad about his ending!
There is mention of horse-racing in this one but nowhere near as much as in the first, simply because it isn't the focus in here. I loved how it was still there and an important time for Wyatt and Val, but I'm also glad the emphasis was on Tom and Philip.
Two for the price of one and both thoroughly enjoyable. Absolutely recommended by me.

The Queen's Houses
Book
The Queen's life is dedicated to her public - every move is scrutinised, every word noted. But her...